Station Engineering Considerations; Overview; Ac Power Source; Air Flow - Alpha 8100 Operating Manual

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3 Station Engineering Considerations

The Alpha 8100 is capable of dramatically improving the performance of your amateur station.

It is important that you observe good engineering practices to achieve all the benefits of such a

station in a safe and reliable manner. This section provides a few hints for important operational

considerations, but it is recommended that the user also consult a good source of general

information such as "The Radio Amateur's Handbook" by the ARRL, especially if this is the first

high-power amplifier you have used.

This amplifier runs best when powered by a 200V - 240V AC circuit. If you do not have a 220V

AC outlet in your shack, you will need to get a licensed electrical contractor to install one. A

minimum of a 20 amp capacity is required. A 20 amp breaker on your 220V circuit is sufficient.

There are many styles of plugs, some of which are country-specific. For this reason, the amplifier

is not shipped with a power plug. Select a location for the outlet as close as possible to where

you expect to operate the 8100. If you are not sure, or contemplate moving the amplifier, you

may choose to get a second outlet installed at the same time. Ask your contractor for two or

three matching plugs during installation as there are several styles of connector available. Ask the

contractor to measure the voltage and record it, so you can set the line voltage tap on the 8100

appropriately. If possible, have the contractor measure the line voltage with a 10 amp current

draw, and use this value for setting the transformer tap. The Alpha 8100 can run when connected

to a 110V AC outlet. However, you WILL NOT achieve full legal limit output in this case. If the

amplifier is connected to a 110V AC outlet, you should not expect more than 1000 W output.

It is critical that airflow around the Alpha 8100 remain unimpeded at all times. Keep the top of

the amplifier clear of any restrictions. If you are mounting the amplifier in a console, make sure

that the exhaust air is properly and fully removed from the console. Poorly designed consoles can

result in outlet air being drawn back into the amplifier air intake and recirculated, thus getting

ALPHA 8100 OPERATING MANUAL

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